#: 8163 S15/Hot Topics
    12-Nov-90  23:15:03
Sb: #8107-#Fest
Fm: Frank Hogg of FHL 70310,317
To: Mike Knudsen 72467,1111 (X)

Mike,

The disks DO have what I consider the 'major' parameters on them. The DynaStar
disk (51/4") says on it 'Double Sided, 30 Track, 48 TPI, (30 of 40 Tracks)'.
The problem you are having is that it is a 68K disk and uses the 'standard' OSK
format that we have used for 6+ years. Microware came up with a numbering
system that has no relation to the disk format, ie numbers like 5W03 or some
such. They or someone should come up with a system to describe the format
without being confusing. The other problem you are having is that you are
presuming that your floppy driver is standard Microware fare and this is
probably not the case. We have had to provide extensive support in the form of
very flexible floppy drivers and a powerful dmode utility to allow our
customers to be able to read/write/format ALL the various formats available.

Putting the complete format information on the label would require a much
bigger label. We need to come up with a uniform way, better than MW's to put on
the label.

You should be able to read the 68K DynaStar disk on your MM1 as it uses the
standard OSK format and is 48 tpi (40 Track). There would be little point in
distributing OSK software in CoCo format would there?

FHL has always offered our software on whatever format the customer requires at
no extra charge. Without notice we distribute it on the 'standard' format for
whatever system it is being used on.

If you have any trouble reading it on the MM1 let me know, I'm sure we can get
it worked out.

Frank

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